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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Getting to Know American Idol's Lauren Alaina

American Idol Season 10's Lauren Alaina (Suddeth) is 16 years old and comes from Rossville, Georgia, a suburb of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lauren auditioned for Season 10 of American Idol in Nashville, Tennessee and was put through to Hollywood, eventually making it to the Top 24. She is currently a finalist in the Top 11.

Lauren has such amazing stage-presence, confidence and swagger for a girl so young! Plus she's sweet as a Georgia peach and a born comedienne. This 16 year old beauty has wowed the judges ever since her first audition, where she sang Faith Hill's "Like We Never Loved at All" then duetted with Steven Tyler on Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". Jennifer Lopez told Lauren, “You don’t even have to try. The voice is so effortless. I know there’s more in there. Amazing.” And judge Randy Jackson said, “You have a natural gift. You can sing anything. I don’t think you even know how talented you are.” Randy went on to call Lauren a cross between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood! Last week, Lauren had to perform with the flu. This girl was better than some other contestants who were perfectly healthy! Randy Jackson said, "I don't know, cold or whatever's happening...that was very nice. So have a cold every week." Steven Tyler raved, "I loved you the first time I heard you. You're beautiful. You did it again. You're a shining star!"

Lauren Alaina's favorite quote is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Lauren named Carrie Underwood as her biggest musical influence.

BIOGRAPHY
Lauren Alaina was born on November 8, 1994 to Kristy and J.J. Suddeth of Rossville, Georgia. Her father works as a process technician in Chattanooga, TN. Lauren is a sophomore at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School in Georgia. Lauren was inspired to sing, and try out for American Idol, by her cousin, Holly Witherow, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Prior to American Idol, Alaina performed at several Chattanooga area venues and was the first winner of the WinnieStar youth talent contest at Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in 2009.